An increasing number of cities and municipalities are committed to pursuing a smart or digital agenda. But not just that, they want to become (inter)nationally recognised as the smartest, most innovative or otherwise leading city. What are the consequences of such ambitions, for how urban problems and their solutions are to be understood? Are technological innovations by default smarter than non-digital ones? And do the government and the private sector really always know best or better?
What does the research involve?
We explore the possibility of more democratic and inclusive pursuits of social innovation, urban development and digital cities. We develop methods that move beyond pre-conceived and top-down ideas of what constitutes knowledge and expertise, what counts as urban innovation and what may be labelled as “smart” ways of doing things. We do so in co-creation with residents, neighbourhoods, community researchers, NGOs, local government, social entrepreneurs and artists. Collectively, we design interventions that help recognise and bring into fruitful dialogue different kinds of knowledges, experiences, and innovative ideas, of and for urban communities.
Theme Leads
Urban digitisation and the democratic process
The smart city must now become inclusive
Communities should be at the core of smart city thinking and making. After all, their data, livelihoods and rights are at stake. Smart city makers often talk people's participation and community engagement, but do people's exclusion. It is, thus, crucial to bring communities (back) into the imagination of their urban futures.
The goal is to generate impact through research and co-creation: together with citizens, social entrepreneurs and policy makers.
Affiliated projects
How to build smart, enjoyable cities and hinterlands
